Double Evening with Hidden Truths: Premiere of 'Äktenskapets hemligheter' and Tour in Västra Götaland

The opera stage in West Sweden will experience a rare treat as 'Äktenskapets hemligheter' brings together two seldom-performed one-act operas in a striking double feature about hiding truths from the one you love. The premiere takes place at Dergårdsteatern in Lerum on 11 September 2026, followed by a tour through several locations in Västra Götaland.

Two contrasting operas, one common theme

Directed by Louise Ahlsell, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s Italian comedy classic 'Susannas hemlighet' is intertwined with Martin Kalmanoff’s musical setting of Anton Chekhov’s Russian tragicomic monologue 'Om tobakens skadlighet'. Despite differences in style and origin, the operas are united by their theme: what is hidden within marriage—and what lurks behind the smoke-screens, both literally and figuratively.

In Wolf-Ferrari’s 'Susannas hemlighet', with a libretto by Enrico Golisciani (Swedish translation by Jonas Egfors), the audience is treated to a lighthearted story about jealousy, misunderstood scents, and suspicious tobacco smoke. The count suspects infidelity when he smells smoke in his home—does his wife hide a lover, or just a secret cigarette? 'Om tobakens skadlighet', a tender yet sharp monologue by Chekhov with music by Kalmanoff (Swedish translation by Mattias Ermedahl), portrays a lecture on the harmfulness of smoking where the speaker, in reality, exposes his own frustrations and longings in the shadow of marriage.

Louise Ahlsell's direction raises questions about the endurance of love and how conflicts can be signs of ongoing passion rather than its opposite—a theme represented through smoke and its symbolism in these stories.

At the center of the performance are GöteborgsOperan’s renowned soloists Mattias Ermedahl and Carolina Sandgren, as the married couple. They are accompanied by a virtuosic chamber ensemble with Bernhard Greter as conductor and pianist, David Bergström on violin, Sabine Daniels on flute, Hampus Linderholm on cello, and Sten Westerlund on clarinet.

The opera is performed in Swedish, runs for about 1 hour and 40 minutes including an intermission, and is framed by Elin Emretsson’s set design and Johan Hebbe's lighting design, which deepen the intimate and emotionally charged atmosphere on stage.

Following the premiere in Lerum, 'Äktenskapets hemligheter' will visit, among others, the following venues in the region:

• 13/9 Stadsteatern, Falköping
• 25/9 Hebeteatern, Trollhättan
• 27/9 Ale Kulturum, Nödinge
• 1/10 Kulturhuset Hav och Land, Hunnebostrand
• 3/10 Regionteater Väst, Uddevalla
• 7/10 Folkets hus, Lidköping
• 9/10 Lyckeskolan, Kinna
• 11/10 Kulturbruket på Dal, Mellerud
• 21/10 Sagateatern, Tidaholm
• 23/10 Stadsteatern, Skövde Kulturhus
• 28/10 Jarl Kulle-scenen, Ängelholm
• 6/11 Lilla scenen, GöteborgsOperan
• 8/11 Lilla scenen, GöteborgsOperan

'Äktenskapets hemligheter' offers the audience both an entertaining and thought-provoking meditation on married life’s love, silences, and balancing act. With strong vocal performances, engaging storytelling and expressive music, this is an unusual opportunity for regional visitors to experience a unique opera mix up close.